David W. Peterson

David Wesley Peterson, age 72, of Fruitland, passed away November 14, 2023, at his home.
    He was born April 1, 1951, in Boise, Idaho, and adopted by Wesley and Carol Peterson.  He married Rebecca A. Peterson on May 23, 2019, in Murray.
    David Peterson was a husband, father, Airman, race car builder, machinist, the list could very well fill up this entire obituary.  
    He served for 32 years in the U.S. Air Force and Utah Air National Guard. He took part in OPERATION UPHOLD DEMOCRACY, countless REFORGER Operations in Bitburg AB, as well as OPERATION DESERT SHIELD. He was noted as an outstanding member of the 801st  Bomber Wing, noted as being "What Americans were trained to do best, and deserving of your strongest admiration." 
    Beyond all of this, Dave had an uncanny ability to pursue knowledge, and had a lust for learning that was incomparable. There was never an answer of  "I don't know," instead replaced with "Let's find out." 
    One of the key tenets of Dave's life after the Air Force was his willingness to provide motivation and care to anybody who needed it. He was completely willing to let you tag along on projects, teach you the skills, and continue to do so, throughout his entire life. Dave was a best friend to all of us, and to many of us, a father figure that we could turn to for humor, advice, a splash of whiskey, or sometimes all three in quick succession. Across his life, Dave leaves behind a legacy that is unparalleled, having lived a truly fulfilled life of adventure, mischief, and some really good music taste.  
    David and Becky met years ago, but they may have met many years earlier, as they both worked at the Utah Air National Guard, during the same time period.   They became friends while working together at the Utah Transit Authority. It wasn't until later that they revealed to each other that they both shared deep feelings for one another. Becky at that time had made peace with living alone with her dogs and being single, while David was honorably grieving the loss of his late wife who had passed away from a heart attack. These unique circumstances led Becky and David to take things very slow and to become the best of friends before they became romantically involved. David proposed to Becky October 24, 2018, and they were married May 23, 2019. 
    In February of 2020 the world became a "shit show," as David would say, because of the global pandemic.  The couple decided to move to Dave's cabin in Fruitland, where his best friend and step-son, Matt Pyper, also had a cabin across the street. Their beautiful marriage began to thrive in the Bandanna Ranch community, where they made many lifelong friends.  They became part of a very tight-knit and loving group. The ranch became a destination for friends and family to come spend time and create memories together away from the big city chaos. Becky's best friend and twin sister moved with her husband to the area as well, making the Uintah basin our new gathering place for family reunions, get-togethers and, of course, PARTIES! David loved getting people together and lived to party with his family and friends. One of his greatest qualities was making people feel like family and that they belong with him. David and Becky truly created a welcoming environment for their kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, families and all their friends.
    David is survived by his wife, Rebecca, of Fruitland; his children, Shane (Debbie) Peterson; Heather (Steve) Fransen; Wesley (Leslie)Peterson; Michelle Lorenzana; His step children Carmen Pyper; Matt Pyper; Jackson Pyper; Natalie Pyper; Justin (Heidi) Hunter; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his sister, Caroline Norton.
    He was preceded in death by his previous wife, Michelle; and his parents.
    Per his wishes, he was cremated and a celebration of life will be held on 2 Dec 2023 at 7pm; Poplar Street Pub,  242 S. 200 W. Salt Lake City, UT